Electric lighting system for automobiles



Dec. 10, 1935. L. HAGAR ET AL 2,023,954

ELECTRIC LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOBILES Filed May 9, 1934 I772 r0178 15/71 151. L. flame:

MAL/H17 B. diam/A's Altai flrrfi Patented Dec. 10, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ELECTRIC LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR AUTOMOBILES Application May 9, 1934, Serial No. 724,734 5 Claims. (Cl. 171-97) This invention relates to electric lighting systems for automobiles, and has particular reference to lighting systems which employ two lights in each headlight optionally usable, and which preferably employ duplicate tail lights.

It has particular reference to automatic switching means, which is adapted when a light in either headlight burns out, to automatically cut out the corresponding light in the other headlight, and to switch on the remaining light in both headlights.

It further relates to manual means for changing-over the headlight circuits, whereby when one of the two lights in a headlight burns out, the other thereof is automatically cut in without eifect on the opposite headlight, and to means for automatically switching to spare tail light when the one in use burns out.

Automobiles at the present time are usually equipped with headlights, each having one bulb with two filaments which may be of the same candle power, or different candle power. One pair of lights, one, in each headlight, is usually focused and directed to strike the pavement at a considerable distance in advance of the car, whereas the other pair of lights of the headlights is focused and directed to strike the pavement much nearer the car. The first pair of these lights is commonly designated the high-lights, and the second pair, the low-lights. The same efiect is also accomplished by the use of bulbs having two filaments of unequal power, the stronger light being designated the high-light and the weaker,-

the low-light, and the use of the term high and low lights, herein will be understood to refer to either one of the above conditions. I

One set of these lights is used for ordinary driving, and theother when passing another car, or for driving in lighted areas, such as city streets, where more powerful lights are not necessary.

It often happens that one of the lights in use burns out, without the driver of, the car being aware of the fact, and a dangerous condition is set up, in that the driver of an approaching car cannot determine whether the singleheadlight visible, is at the right, or the left side of the car, or whether the approaching vehicle is as a matter of fact, a motorcycle or other vehicle properly having only a single headlight.

The primary object of the present invention is to automatically switch on the second pair of lights, simultaneously or individually, should one light of the other pair burn out;

Further objects are: To provide means for interlocking the circuits of a pair of headlights, whereby when one light of either headlight burns out, the remaining light therein and the corresponding light in the other headlight are switched on, and the light in such second headlight corresponding to the burned. out 5 light is switched off;

To provide means for automatically switching on a warning signal indicating that a light has burned out, and whether such light be a high light or a low-light; 10

To provide means for changing-over the circuits, whereby the second light of either headlight will automatically be switched on when the other light of the same headlight burns out;

And to provide means for automatically switch- 15 ing over, should one of two tail lights burn out, to the remaining tail light, and for indicating that the tail light originally used has burned out.

The means by which the foregoing and other 20 objects are accomplished and the manner of their accomplishment, with slight change in car wiring will readily be understood from the following specification on reference to the accompanying drawing, in which, 25

Fig. 1 is a drawing showing in diagrammatic form a dual electric lighting system for an automobile, embodying the present invention, this drawing having the various circuits indicated in full and dashed lines, and lines of diiferent 30 weight; the controls and circuits being shown open or closed as they would be with the manual switchesclosed to throw on the high-lights.

Fig. 2 a fragmentary detail of a portion of the circuits showing a change-over switch thrown 35 to change the circuits and sequence of operation of certain relays, whereby each of the headlights will be caused to act individually.

- Referring now to the drawing in which the various parts are indicated bynumerals, l0 and 40 ll indicate respectively the left and right headlights of an automobile, the left headlight having high and low-lights, NIH and ML, and the right headlight corresponding high and low-lights HH and HL.

l2 and I3 are signal lights or'tell-tales for the high-lights and the lowlights respectively.

l4 and I5 are tail-lights, and iii a signal light or tell-tale for the tail lights.

I! is a. battery illustrative of a source of current. I 8 is a control switch, and Ill-20 are two arms of a double throw switch lever S, but manually controlled. The two arms of the switch lever S- will be hereinafter referred to as switch is or switch 20.

2| and 3| are manually selected relays in series with the high-lightand low-light circuits, the function of which is to close and maintain closed a part of the by-pass circuits of the automatically selective pairs of relays in the high-light and low-light circuits respective to the circuit-being used, said relays hereinafter to be referred to as relays 2| and 3 I, respectively. Each of said relays include an armature 22 and 32, respectively; which armatures, in turn, carry contacts 23 and 33, respectively, adapted to cooperate with fixed contacts 25 and 35, each armature being biased to hold its contacts open until the control switch I8 and the arm I9 or 20 of the double throw switch S is closed.

4| is a relay in the tail light circuit, this relay having an armature 42, carrying insulated contact 43,- and a. fixed contact 45. This armature is biased to hold the contacts closed when the circuit is open, and open when the circuit is closed.

5|, 6| are relays in the circuits to the highlights and II, 8| relays in the low-light circuits. Each relay is provided with an armature 52, 62, 12 and 82, respectively, having fixed thereto the pairs of contacts 53, 54; 63, 64; 13, 1,4; and 83, 84; respectively, the contacts 54, 64, I4 and 84 being insulated from their armatures and from the other contacts. 55, 56; 65, 66; I5, I6; and 85, 86 are corresponding pairs of fixed contacts. These armatures are biased to hold their-contacts closed when their respective relay circuits are open, and open when these circuits are active.

99 is a circuit leading from the battery I'l, through switch I8 to switch I9-28. 9| is a circuit, leading from switch I9, through relay coil 2|, to the high-lights, one branch 9|A leading through relay coil 5| to contact I3 and continuing from contact I5 to the left high-light IIJH, and the other branch SIB through relay coil 6| to contact 83 and from contact to highlight IIH.

92 is a circuit leading from switch 28 throug relay coil 3| to the low-lights, one branch 92A leading through relay coil II to a changeover switch 93, thence continuing through circuit 923 to contact 63, thence from contact 65 when switch is closed to the right low-light I IL, and the other branch 92C, leading through coil 8| to changeover switch 93, thence continuing through circuit 92D to contact 53 and from contact 55' to the left low-light IIlL.

The change-over switch 93 may be introduced in the circuits 92A, 920, if itbe so desired. This switch carries twomembers 93A, 930, the former of which when set as shown in Figure 1 for what may be designated full change-over, efiects con-.

tinuity of the circuit 92A-92B and the latter of the circuit 92C-92D. This switch 93 may be turned to bring the members 93A-93C across the circuits as shown in Figure 2, into what may be designated as half change-over, in which case these circuits are cut in two, circuit 92A after passing coil II being connected to circuit 92D, and circuit 920 after passing relay coil 8| being connected to circuit 92B.

Bypass circuits for coils 5I=and 6| .94-94A and 943-940 are similar bypass circuits leading from circuits 9| and 9IB through contacts 54-56 and 64-66, respectively;'when change-over of lights close said contacts to a junction with a common circuit 94D, similar or dual bypass circuits are incorporated to allow for the change- .over .action to start in either headlight, left or right.

94-94A, 94E-94C are bypass circuits from pairs 54-56 and 64-56 when both high lights are 5 I burning.

I00 is a test line leading from tail circuit 99-98 to a switch IOI having three contact points from which lines I02, I83 and I04 lead to the signal light circuits 96, 91, and 99A, closure of 10 the switch lighting all signals.

The operation of the system" is as follows:

With the change-over switch 93. set as in Figure Land the switches I8 and I9 closed to establish a. circuit to the high-lights, current flows through 15 the circuit 9|-9|A,'to the grounded high-light IOH and through the circuit 9I-9IB to the grounded high-light. IH, putting these two lights in operation.

This current flowing through relay coil 2| closes 20 I contacts 23-25 and also flowing through relays 5| and GI, opens contacts 53-55; 54-56; and 63-65; 64-66. Should either high-light burn out, as for instance, the left high-light IDH, current flow in circuit 9|, -9IA is interrupted, and 25 relay coil 5| is deenergized, allowing contacts 53-55 and 54-56 to'close. Current from circuit 9IB now flows through by-pass 94, and. closed contacts 54-56 and through the circuij, 94A, 94D closed contacts 23-25 and circuit 94E to circuit 30 92, thence through circuits 92-92C, through relay coil 8|, circuits 92C, 92D and closed contacts 53-55 to left low-light IDL, putting this light into operation. The current thus flowing through relay coil 8| opens contacts 83-85 and 84-86, 35 contacts 83-85 opening, break circuit 9|B to high-light IIH and turn this light off; at the same time relay 8| is de-energized, allowing contacts 63-65 and 64-66 to close.

Contacts 63-65 closing, complete circuit 92B to 40 right low-light and turns such light on, thus completing the shift from the two high-lights to the two low-lights. Also contact 64-66 being closed, current will flow from circuit 9|B through bypass 94B, contacts 64-66, 94C, to common cir- 45 cuit 94D, contacts 23-25 circuit 94E to low line 92. High-light signal connects to common circuit 94D.

An entirely similar sequence of operation follows where the low-lights are on, and a low-light 50 burns out.

With the change-over switch 93 set as in Figure 1, and the switches I8 and 29 closed to establish a circuit to the low-lights, current flows through the circuit 92-92A-92B to the grounded low-light IIL and through the circuit 92-920-92D to the grounded low-light IOL, putting these two lights in operation.

Bypass circuits for relay coils II and 8|: -95A and 953-950 are similar bypass circuits 60 leading from circuits 92 and 92C through contacts 14-16 and 84-86, respectively, when changeover of lights close said contacts to a junction with a common circuit 95D.

Signals: high signal |2 connects to common cir-. cuit 94D. Low signal I3 connects to common circuit 95D.

This current flowing through relay coil 3| closes contacts 33-35 and also flowing through relay coils II-8|, openscontacts 13-15, II-I6, and 83-85, 84-86. Should either low-light burn out, as for instance the left low-light I8L, current flow in circuit 92C-92D is interrupted, and relay 8| de-energized, allowing contacts "-45 15 and 94-86 to close. Current from circuit 92C now flows through bypass 95B and closed contacts 84-86 through circuit 95C and 95D, closed contacts 33-35 circuit 95E and 9| and 9IB through relay coil 6|, and closed contacts 83-85 to right high-light IIH, putting this light into operation. The current thus flowing through relay 6I opens contacts 63-65 and 64-66, contacts 63-65 opening, breaks circuit 92B to right low-light I IL and turns this light oif; at the same time relay TI is de-energized, allowing contacts 13-15 and 14-16 to close.

Contacts 13-15 closing complete circuit 9I-9IA to left high-light I 9H and turns light on, thus completing the shift from the two lowlights to the two high-lights. Also contact 14-16 being closed, current will flow from cir-' cuit 92A through bypass 95 closed contacts 14-16 and circuit 95A to common circuit 95D contacts 33-35 circuit 95E to high line 9| and 9IB.

With the change-over switch 93 set in half change-over, as shown in Figure 2, and the switches I8 and I9 closed, current flows through circuit 9|, 9IA to left high-light NIH and through 9l-9IB to right high-light IIH, putting these two lights in operation. This current flowing through relay coil 2i closes contacts 23-25 and through relay coils 5| and 6|, opens contacts 53-55; 54-56 and 63-65; 64-66. Should either high-light burn out as for instance, the left high-light I9H, relay coil 5I is de-energized, allowing contacts 53-55, 54-56 to close. Current now flows through bypass 94, contacts 54-56, circuit 94A, 94D, contacts 23-25 and circuit 94E, to low-line 92; thence through low-line 92, relay 'II, low-line 92A, change-over member 93A, and low-line 92D contacts 53-55, to left lowlight I9L, putting such light in service in place of left high-light I9H, which is burned out, not disturbing opposite high or low-light, I I H; I IL.

An entirely similar sequence of operation i'ol lows where the low-lights are on and a low-light burns out.

With the switch I8 on, current flows through circuit 99-98 to grounded rear light I4. This current passing through relay coil 4I holds contacts 43-45 open. Should tail light I4 burn out, coil 4| is de-energized, allowing contacts 43-45 to close. Current then flows through bypass line 99, contacts 43-45, line 99A, tail-signal I6 and line 993 to tail light I5, putting both tail-signal and reserve tail light,l5 in operation. In this situation, should tail light I 5 burn out, tail-signal I6 would also be cut out.

At any time during operation of the lights with the switch I9 closed, test switch I9I may be closed and the signal bulbs tested. A circuit will then be established from the tail light circuit, through bypass I99 to switch IM and circuits I92, I93 and I94. 1

We claim:

1. Electrical, lighting apparatus comprising a source of electrical energy, two pairs of circuits, a light in each circuit, a switch for selectively energizing either of said pairs of circuits, and means 5 operable by a break in either circuit of the energized pair of circuits for de-energizing the other circuit of said energized pair and for automatically energizing the other pair of circuits, and means operable by a subsequent break in one light of the 10 automatically energized circuits to restore energy to the unbroken circuit in the originally energized pair of circuits.

2. Electrical lighting apparatus comprising a source of electrical energy, four lights, selective pairs of circuits for connecting said lights in pairs to said source, and means operable by a break in either circuit of the energized pair of circuits for automatically connecting the other pair of circuits to said source and for disconnecting the unbroken circuit of the originally energized pair.

3. Electrical lighting apparatus comprising a source of electrical energy, four lights, selective pairs of circuits for connecting said lights in pairs to said source, means operable by a break in either circuit of the energized pair of circuits for automatically connecting the other pair of circuits to said source and for disconnecting the unbroken circuit of the originally energized pair, and means operable by a break in either circuit of said other pair for reconnecting said unbroken circuit to said source.

4. Electrical lighting apparatus comprising a source of electrical energy; two pairs of lights; a circuit for one of said pairs of lights; a second circuit for the other pair of lights; a switch ior selectively connecting either of said circuits to said source; each circuit including a pair of relays in parallel with each other and in series with the lights in that circuit, and alsoincluding v a relay in series with the said pair of relays, the relays in either circuit being operable by a break in the selectively energized circuit to connect the other circuit to send source of energy.

5. Electrical lighting apparatus comprising a 5 source of electrical energy; two pairs of lights; a circuit fpr one of said pairs of lights; a second circuit for the other pair of lights; a switch for selectively connecting either of said circuits 'to said source; each circuit including a pair of relays in parallel with each other and in series with the lights in that circuit, and also including a relay in series with the said pair of relays, the relays in either circuit being operable by a break in the selectively energized circuit to connect the other circuit to said source of energy, and a switch in one of said circuits for changing the circuit connection of the relays in each circuit to said lights.

LEMUEL L. HAGAR. c0 WILLIAM B. ROLLINS. 

